This is the revival of the Socratic dialogues or talks (hence the nickname) or the art of genuine debate, in the tradition of the Platonic School, which aim is to bring all seekers of Truth to seek it together, each one bringing his own share for the benefit of everyone.

The search for Truth has been confined today to a strictly personal activity and it is more and more difficult for people to conceive that it could also be a group activity.

This is more the result of our modern societies were individualism has become a way of life and where it is ever harder to communicate properly, even though we have numerous technological tools that bring us closer to one another.

This obviously places a great deal of questions as regards modern day debates, since, if its purpose is not to seek Truth, then what does it aim at?
Below is shown a non-exhaustive comparative table between a common debate and a Socratic dialogue that should help you grasp the fundamental differences between the two: